Scottsdale has received financial help to construct a better front door to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. A Heritage Grant, totaling $126,949, recently was approved by the State Parks Board.
The money will go toward construction of a gateway access area, which will feature parking, a bus stop, picnic areas, shade ramadas, restrooms and an amphitheater. Also, improvements will be made to trails and equestrian facilities, and an office with storage will be built.
Currently, the gateway consists of little more than a driveway.
Total cost of the project is estimated at $2.2 million.
A proposed desert discovery center would be built nearby, although that is not part of the project.
The gateway is northeast of Bell Road and Thompson Peak Parkway.
Funding for Heritage Grants is provided by the Arizona Lottery.
